Semiconductor device with fin and related methods

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device may include a substrate, a fin above the substrate and having a channel region therein, and source and drain regions adjacent the channel region to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region. A semiconductor device may include a substrate, a fin above the substrate and having a channel region therein, source and drain regions adjacent the channel region, and a gate over the channel region. The fin may be canted with respect to the source and drain regions to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic devices and, more particularly, to semiconductor devices and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Fin-based field effect transistors (FINFETs) are vertical transistor devices in which a semiconductor fin is located on a substrate and is used to define the source, drain, and channel regions of the device. The gate structure overlies the fin in the channel area, and in some configurations multiple fins may be used to provide a multi-gate transistor architecture. The multiple gates may be controlled by a single gate electrode, where the multiple gate surfaces act electrically as a single gate, or by independent gate electrodes.

One example FINFET device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,310,013 to Lin et al. The FINFET device includes a substrate of a crystalline semiconductor material having a top surface of a first crystal plane orientation, a fin structure of the crystalline semiconductor material overlying the substrate, a gate structure over a portion of the fin structure, and an epitaxial layer over another portion of the fin structure. The epitaxial layer has a surface with a second crystal plane orientation. The epitaxial layer and underlying fin structure include a source and drain region. The source region is separated from the drain region by the gate structure. A channel is defined in the fin structure from the source region to the drain region, and aligned in a direction parallel to both the surface of the epitaxial layer and the top surface of the substrate. Despite the existence of such configurations, further enhancements in FINFET devices may be desirable in some applications, particularly next generation devices with relatively small dimensions.

FIG. 1 shows an approach to a FINFET device 20. The FINFET device 20 illustratively includes a silicon substrate 22, and a silicon channel 23 over the substrate, and a silicon germanium stressor layer 21 over the channel.

SUMMARY

Generally speaking, a semiconductor device may include a substrate, at least one fin above the substrate and having a channel region therein, and source and drain regions adjacent the channel region to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region. The semiconductor device may further comprise a gate over the channel region.

In some embodiments, the source and drain regions may have a diamond shape. In other embodiments, the source and drain regions may have a Y-shape. Additionally, the semiconductor device may further comprise a dielectric layer between the substrate and the at least one fin. The substrate and the at least one fin may each comprise silicon. The source and drain regions may each comprise silicon. The dielectric layer may comprise silicon dioxide.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a semiconductor device. The method may comprise forming at least one fin above a substrate and having a channel region therein, and forming source and drain regions adjacent the channel region to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region.

Also generally, a semiconductor device may include a substrate, at least one fin above the substrate and having a channel region therein, source and drain regions adjacent the channel region, and a gate over the channel region. The at least one fin may be canted with respect to the source and drain regions to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region.

The at least one fin may be canted at an angle in a range of 22.5-67.5 degrees with respect to the source and drain regions. In other embodiments, the at least one fin may be canted at an angle in a range of 40-50 degrees with respect to the source and drain regions.

Additionally, the semiconductor device may further comprise a dielectric layer between the substrate and the at least one fin. The substrate and the at least one fin may each comprise silicon. For example, the source and drain regions may comprise silicon germanium. The dielectric layer may comprise silicon dioxide.

Another aspect is directed to a method making a semiconductor device. The method may comprise forming at least one fin above a substrate and having a channel region therein, forming source and drain regions adjacent the channel region, and forming a gate over the channel region, the at least one fin being canted with respect to the source and drain regions to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a semiconductor device, according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating normal and shear stress, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a top plan view of a semiconductor device, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a top plan view of another embodiment of a semiconductor device, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of a top plan view, a cross-sectional view along line B-B, and a cross-sectional view along line C-C of a step in making a plurality of semiconductor devices of FIG. 3A, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic diagrams of a top plan view, a cross-sectional view along line B-B, and a cross-sectional view along line C-C of a step in making a plurality of semiconductor devices of FIG. 3A, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6B are schematic diagrams of a top plan view of semiconductor devices of FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, with stress indicator arrows.

FIGS. 7A-7D are schematic diagrams of layer stacks for embodiments of a semiconductor device, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams of a top plan view and an enlarged top plan view of another embodiment of a semiconductor device, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9C are schematic diagrams of a top plan view, a cross-sectional view along line B-B, and a cross-sectional view along line C-C of a step in making a plurality of semiconductor devices of FIGS. 8A-8B, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10C are schematic diagrams of a top plan view, a cross-sectional view along line B-B, and a cross-sectional view along line C-C of a step in making a plurality of semiconductor devices of FIGS. 8A-8B, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic diagrams of a top plan view, a cross-sectional view along line B-B, and a cross-sectional view along line C-C of a step in making a plurality of semiconductor devices of FIGS. 8A-8B, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic diagrams of a top plan view, a cross-sectional view along line B-B, and a cross-sectional view along line C-C of a step in making a plurality of semiconductor devices of FIGS. 8A-8B, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. This present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Referring briefly to FIG. 2, a diagram 25 illustrates normal and shear strain. Normal strain is defined by the following formula:

${ɛ_{x} = \frac{\partial u_{x}}{\partial x}},{ɛ_{y} = \frac{\partial u_{y}}{\partial x}},{ɛ_{z} = {\frac{\partial u_{z}}{\partial x}.}}$

Shear strain is defined by the following formula:

${ɛ_{xy} = {ɛ_{yx} = {\frac{\partial u_{y}}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial u_{x}}{\partial y}}}},{ɛ_{yz} = {ɛ_{zy} = {\frac{\partial u_{y}}{\partial z} + \frac{\partial u_{z}}{\partial y}}}},{ɛ_{xz} = {ɛ_{zx} = {\frac{\partial u_{x}}{\partial z} + \frac{\partial u_{z}}{\partial x}}}}$ $\begin{matrix} {ɛ_{xy} = {\frac{1}{2}\left( {\frac{\partial u_{y}}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial u_{x}}{\partial y}} \right)}} \\ {ɛ_{yz} = {\frac{1}{2}\left( {\frac{\partial u_{y}}{\partial z} + \frac{\partial u_{z}}{\partial y}} \right)}} \\ {ɛ_{xz} = {\frac{1}{2}\left( {\frac{\partial u_{z}}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial u_{x}}{\partial z}} \right)}} \end{matrix}.$

The transformation from strain tensor to stress tensor is finally obtained following the Hooke's law.

The impact on electrical performance (piezoresistance tensor) with stress is illustrated with silicon (001) surface wafer and [100] or [110] orientation. According to the crystal orientation, the effect of the shear stress on carrier mobility can be important, competitive with normal effect, depending on piezoresistance parameter (carrier type, crystal orientation and material). Table 1 provides a general valid case for any crystal orientation. (See Tables 1-3).

TABLE 1 Crystal Stress Component $\left( \frac{\Delta \; \mu}{\mu} \right)_{i} = {\begin{pmatrix} \pi_{11} & \pi_{12} & \pi_{13} & \pi_{14} & \pi_{15} & \pi_{16} \\ \pi_{12} & \pi_{22} & \pi_{23} & \pi_{24} & \pi_{25} & \pi_{26} \\ \pi_{13} & \pi_{12} & \pi_{33} & \pi_{34} & \pi_{35} & \pi_{36} \\ \pi_{14} & \pi_{24} & \pi_{34} & \pi_{44} & \pi_{45} & \pi_{46} \\ \pi_{15} & \pi_{25} & \pi_{35} & \pi_{45} & \pi_{55} & \pi_{56} \\ \pi_{16} & \pi_{26} & \pi_{36} & \pi_{46} & \pi_{56} & \pi_{66} \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} \sigma_{xx} \\ \sigma_{yy} \\ \sigma_{zz} \\ \gamma_{yz} \\ \gamma_{xz} \\ \gamma_{xy} \end{pmatrix}}$

TABLE 2 Crystal Stress Component Crystal Orientation (001) [100] $\left( \frac{\Delta \; \mu}{\mu} \right)_{i} = {\begin{pmatrix} \pi_{11} & \pi_{12} & \pi_{13} & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ \pi_{12} & \pi_{22} & \pi_{23} & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ \pi_{13} & \pi_{12} & \pi_{33} & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & \pi_{44} & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & \pi_{55} & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & \pi_{66} \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} \sigma_{xx} \\ \sigma_{yy} \\ \sigma_{zz} \\ \gamma_{yz} \\ \gamma_{xz} \\ \gamma_{xy} \end{pmatrix}}$

TABLE 3 Silicon Bulk Stress Values (10⁻¹¹ Pa⁻¹) [The pizo coefficient for the two traditional cases, including that given in Table 2.] 10⁻¹¹ Pa [100] N—Si [100] P—Si [110] N—Si [110] P—Si π₁₁ = π₂₂ −102.1 6.6 −31.6 71.8 π₃₃ −102.1 6.6 −102.1 6.6 π₁₂ 53.4 −1.1 −17.6 66.3 π₁₃ = π₂₃ 53.4 −1.1 53.4 −1.1 π₄₄ = π₅₅ −13.6 −1.1 −13.6 −1.1 π₆₆ −13.6 −1.1 −77.8 3.85 other 0 0 0 0

As visible on Tables 1-3, π₁₄, π₁₅ and π₁₆ of the first line of the piezo-resistance tensor impact the longitudinal conductivity in presence of shear stress. They are equal to 0 for the standard cases with the channel in [100] and [110] direction, meaning that there is no impact of the shear stress on the mobility. However, two ways are possible to take benefit from shear stress. First, for channel direction between [100] and [110] in (001) plane, i.e. theta between 0 and 45 deg, or for other less classical crystalline orientations, π₁₄, π₁₅ and π₁₆ might not be equal to zero. As a result, the shear component impacts the mobility. Second, as the magnitude of the shear stress increases, because of the strong impact of the shear stress on the band curvature responsible for mobility enhancement, some of the π₁₅ terms can become non null, impacting the contribution of the shear stress on mobility. An indirect illustration is already demonstrated by the impact of the rotation by 45 deg from [100](001) to [110] (001). In that case, the longitudinal stress along [110] becomes a shear stress at the level of the band structure [100] oriented and impact the mobility. This is visible in Table 3 with enhanced values of π₁₁ in the [110] direction for p carrier 71.8×10⁻¹¹ Pa instead of 6.6×10⁻¹¹ Pa for the [100] direction.

Referring initially to FIGS. 3A and 4A-6A, a semiconductor device 30 according to the present disclosure is now described. The semiconductor device 30 illustratively includes a substrate 38, fins 36 a-36 b above the substrate and having a channel region 33 therein, and source and drain regions 31-32 adjacent the channel region to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region. In the illustrated embodiment, the semiconductor device 30 comprises a FINFET device, but the teachings herein may be applied to other semiconductor device types.

The source, drain, and channel regions 31-33 are formed from a biaxial stress layer of semiconductor material on the substrate 38. The substrate 38 may comprise a silicon bulk layer or a buried oxide substrate (i.e. a thin BOX). In other embodiments, the substrate 38 may comprise silicon on insulator (SOI) or silicon germanium on insulator (SGOI).

Advantageously, the generation of both normal and shear strain in the channel region 33 is in contrast to the prior art approach in FIG. 1, which generates only normal strain. In particular, the generation of shear strain improves carrier mobility in the channel region 33. In the present disclosure, the shear stress teachings may be effective especially for thin film channel transistors, such as fully depleted SOI (FDSOI), ultra-thin body BOX (UTBB), and FINFETs. In FINFET embodiments, the design thereof has a greater degree of freedom in 3D structures to generate shear stress at the right place in the channel to enhance carrier mobility, thereby improving performance.

The semiconductor device 30 illustratively includes a gate 40 over the channel region. In the illustrated embodiment, the source and drain regions 31-32 have a diamond shape. Of course, in other embodiments, other shapes may be used so long as they create sufficient shear strain in the channel region 33.

Additionally, the semiconductor device 30 illustratively includes a dielectric layer 37 between the substrate 38 and the fins 36 a-36 b. The substrate 38 and the fins 36 a-36 b may each comprise silicon, for example. Also, the source and drain regions 31-32 may each comprise silicon. The dielectric layer 37 may comprise silicon dioxide, for example.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a semiconductor device 30. The method may comprise forming at least one fin 36 a-36 b above a substrate 38 and having a channel region 33 therein, and forming source and drain regions 31-32 adjacent the channel region to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, the fins 36 a-36 b are formed on the dielectric layer 37, which is over the substrate 38. Subsequently, a mask layer 35 is formed over the fins 36 a-36 b. The mask layer 35 may comprise a silicon nitride layer, for example. Referring in particular to FIGS. 5A-5C, the gate 40 is formed on the fins 36 a-36 b. The gate 40 may comprise a plurality of layers comprising at least a dielectric layer, an electrically conductive layer forming a gate contact, and a resist layer.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, an illustrative example of the semiconductor device 30 is shown with strain indicator arrows 41 a-41 b (shear strain 41 a, normal strain 41 b). The extension of the shear strain in the channel region 33 is defined by the following formula:

${E_{Fin} = \frac{D_{Fin}}{\sqrt{2}}};$

where E_(Fin)=extension of the shear strain in the channel region, on both sides, which may be longer than the channel region; and D_(fin) is Fin thickness. Here, the shear strain 41 a is illustratively at 45 degrees, but other angles are possible.

Advantageously, the stress in the channel region 33 is obtained after shape forming for the source and drain regions 31-32. There is no need for complex epitaxial processes in the source and drain regions 31-32 to obtain the strain. Several integrations are possible, such as Fin First (formed before the dummy gate patterning) or after the gate patterning.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 3B and 6B, another embodiment of the semiconductor device 30′ is now described. In this embodiment of the semiconductor device 30′, those elements already discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 4A-6A are given prime notation and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this semiconductor device 30′ has source and drain regions 31′-32′ with a Y-shape (i.e. defining a “dog bone” shape). In particular, the source and drain regions 31′-32′ each have a pair of arms extending in opposite directions, which create shear strain on the channel region 33′.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, several examples of heavy metal deposition layer stacks are shown. The diagrams 50-53 illustrate several embodiments for forming the semiconductor device 30. These diagrams 50-53 illustrate the possibility of using different stressed channel materials (to replace region 30) with strained SOI, strained SGOI as well with SiGe layer, III-V or any material epitaxially grown on silicon substrate to form the channel.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-12C, another semiconductor device 70 a-70 d according to the present disclosure is now described. The semiconductor device 70 a-70 d illustratively includes a substrate 81, a plurality of fins 83 a-83 c above the substrate and having a channel region 73 therein, source and drain regions 71-72 adjacent the channel region, and a gate 84 a-84 d over the channel region. Each of the plurality of fins 83 a-83 c may be canted with respect to the source and drain regions 71-72 to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region 73. In FIG. 8B, the semiconductor device 30 is shown with shear strain indicator arrows 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the semiconductor device 70 a-70 d comprises a FINFET device, but the teachings herein may be applied to other semiconductor device types.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fins 83 a-83 c is canted at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the source and drain regions 71-72. In other embodiments, each of the fins 83 a-83 c may be canted at an angle less than 45 degrees with respect to the source and drain regions 71-72, or in the range of 22.5-67.5 degrees or for improved performance, in the range of 40-50 degrees.

Additionally, the semiconductor device 70 a-70 d illustratively includes a dielectric layer 82 between the substrate 81 and the plurality of fins 83 a-83 c. The substrate 81 and the plurality of fins 83 a-83 c may each comprise silicon, for example. For example, the source and drain regions 71-72 may comprise silicon germanium. Also, the dielectric layer 82 may comprise silicon dioxide.

Another aspect is directed to a method making a semiconductor device 70 a-70 d. The method may comprise forming at least one fin 83 a-83 c above a substrate 81 and having a channel region 73 therein, forming source and drain regions 71-72 adjacent the channel region, and forming a gate 84 a-84 d over the channel region, the at least one fin being canted with respect to the source and drain regions to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 9A-9C, the method illustratively includes forming the plurality of fins 83 a-83 c on the dielectric layer 82, which is above the substrate 81. In FIGS. 10A-10C, the gate 84 a-84 d is formed on the fins 83 a-83 c and the dielectric layer 82. In FIGS. 11A-11C, the recesses for the source and drain regions 71-72 are formed during an etching step. In FIGS. 12A-12C, the source and drain regions 71-72 are formed from an epitaxial layer 85 a-85 c. The epitaxial layer 85 a-85 c may comprise silicon germanium, for example.

Advantageously, the method for making the semiconductor device 70 a-70 d is a self-aligned process, i.e. no additional mask layers are necessary. Moreover, the semiconductor device 70 a-70 d may also work if the fins 83 a-83 c are already intrinsically strained (e.g. SGOI, silicon germanium fin, SSOI etc.). In that case, the shear is added to the standard longitudinal stress in the fin coming from the intrinsic strain and brings more efficiency. Also, this method of making a semiconductor device 70 a-70 d could help to increase the surface for source-drain stressor for a given gate pitch.

A fin field-effect transistor (FINFET) semiconductor device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of fins above said substrate, each fin having a channel region therein; and a plurality a source and drain regions respectively adjacent the channel regions to generate shear and normal strain on the channel regions. The FINFET semiconductor device further comprising a plurality of gates respectively over the channel regions. The plurality of source and drain regions have a diamond shape. The plurality of source and drain regions have a Y-shape.

A method for making a semiconductor device comprising: forming at least one fin above a substrate and having a channel region therein; forming source and drain regions adjacent the channel region to generate shear and normal strain on the channel region; and forming a gate over the channel region. The method includes forming source and drain regions have a diamond shape. The method includes forming source and drain regions have a Y-shape. The method includes forming a dielectric layer between the substrate and the at least one fin. The dielectric layer comprises silicon dioxide. The substrate and the at least one fin each comprises silicon.

The source and drain regions each comprises silicon. A fin field-effect transistor (FINFET) semiconductor device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of fins above said substrate, each fin having a channel region therein; a plurality of source and drain regions respectively adjacent the channel regions; and a plurality of gates respectively over the channel regions; said plurality of fins being canted with respect to said plurality of source and drain regions to generate shear and normal strain on the channel regions. The plurality of fins is canted at an angle in a range of 22.5-67.5 degrees with respect to said plurality of source and drain regions. The plurality of fins is canted at an angle in a range of 40-50 degrees with respect to said plurality of source and drain regions. The FINFET semiconductor device includes a dielectric layer between said substrate and said plurality of fins. The dielectric layer comprises silicon dioxide. The substrate and said plurality of fins each comprises silicon. The plurality of source and drain regions comprise silicon germanium.

The method may further include forming a dielectric layer between the substrate and the at least one fin, the substrate and the at least one fin each comprises silicon, and the source and drain regions comprise silicon germanium.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of fins on the substrate; source and drain regions at ends of each of the plurality of fins, each of the source and drain regions being Y-shaped; and a channel region in each of the plurality of fins, the channel regions separating the source and drain regions.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fins is canted with respect to the source and drain regions.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a dielectric layer between the substrate and the plurality of fins.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the substrate and the plurality of fins each includes silicon.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the source and drain regions include silicon germanium.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a gate structure over the channel regions.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the gate structure has an extension that is substantially parallel to an extension of the source and drain regions where the extension of the source and drain regions is canted with respect to the plurality of fins.
 8. A device, comprising: a substrate; a fin extending from the substrate, the fin having a length along a first direction; a source region having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a length aligned in a second direction and the second portion having a length aligned in a third direction, the first, second, and third directions being different; and a drain region having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a length aligned in the second direction and the second portion having a length aligned in the third direction, the drain region and the source region being adjacent to ends of the fin.
 9. The device of claim 8, further comprising: a channel region in the fin and between the source region and the drain region; and a gate structure over the channel region.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the gate structure has a length that extends in a fourth direction that is at an oblique angle to the first direction.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the gate structure is one of a plurality of gate structures on the substrate, each gate structure having a length that extends in the fourth direction; and wherein the fin is one of a plurality of fins extending from the substrate and having a length along the first direction, each fin overlapped by a respective one of the plurality of gate structures.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of gate structures are staggered with respect to each other.
 13. The device of claim 11, further comprising source and drain regions adjacent to the plurality of fins and between ones of the plurality of gate structures, the source and drain regions each having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a length aligned in the second direction and the second portion having a length aligned in the third direction.
 14. The device of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of channel regions in the plurality of fins, each channel region being between the source and drain regions.
 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of gate structures are controlled by a single signal.
 16. A device, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of fins having a length aligned along a first axis; a gate structure having a length aligned along a second axis that is oblique to the first axis, the gate structure positioned above the plurality of fins; and a plurality of source and drain regions that are Y-shaped, each fin of the plurality of fin being adjacent to a source region and a drain region of the plurality of source and drain regions.
 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of channel regions in the plurality of fins, each channel region being between the source and drain regions.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of channel regions include a strain in response to the oblique angle between the first and second axis.
 19. The device of claim 16, wherein the gate structure is one of a plurality of gate structures on the substrate, each gate structure having a length that extends along the second axis.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the plurality of gate structures are staggered with respect to each other. 